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Friday, December 31, 2010

The year that was 2010

2010 is a year full of glory and pain for me. It's been the most challenging year so far and I'm thankful that God was with me all the time. Too many things had happened and if I'm going to write them all here, I might not be able to finish it come the stroke of midnight. Behold, my year that was 2010:

My top memories of 2010:

RUN:
-> Running Career at it's finest! I did 4 FM, 3 Ultra and 1 Epic Relay. My total mileage for the year is 2202 km which makes me a candidate for a tune-up.
-> Running on events outside Metro Manila such as Cam Sur and Ilocos Norte. I also did an ultra trail run in Pinatubo (50K) which started my "Running Tourism" high in my career
-> My first official running clubs: 6:30, UNGAS and Team Powerpuff Boys!
-> PR's on 21K and 42K with an introduction to minimalist shoe running (I love my VFF)
-> Running Apparel Splurge (making my wallet cry :( ). So far, I purchased 4 running shoes and 2 VFF's :D

WORK:
-> I have a new team. Shifting from one discipline to another was a challenge but watching it grow exponentially over the year was a very exciting experience
-> Responsibility shift. This year marked huge changes in my work specifically to the goals I set. It is my momentum towards the start of 2011.
-> Talk about crunching numbers and schedules on projects! I experienced the craziest work schedule this year
-> This year an opportunity has opened-up a highway to my dreams. Slowly, I'm learning the system but I know it's the right path towards fulfilling my wishes.

SPIRITUAL:
-> I noticed that I drifted away from God early this year. This crushed me during the mid-months and reminded me that He was there to accept me back. Thank the Lord for showing me the way.
-> My dearest Nanay(lola) passed away last July. It was one of the most painful experience as she and 2 of her sibling passed away this year :(.
-> The Lord has shown me a blessing amidst the storm. Being rock-bottom was the most humbling experience I gained as slowly I'm returning and changing for the best. Above all, He was still there to guide me :)

EMO:
-> I've been into an emotional disaster for most part of the year. But somehow I'm almost recovered. Sorry for the people I've hurt and stepped upon, I really didn't mean it :(
-> A ray of light has captured my attention and even if it's a rocky start, thank you for coming into my life. I promise to treasure you always :D
-> I started to talk to my parents again and learned how to lessen my pride.

I want to have this post short as it summarizes my 2010. It was a roller-coaster ride but I'm happy I went through it happy and alive. I'm looking forward for my 2011 as I know there are a lot big things waiting for me next year. Excitement is just an understatement :D

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :D

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Rest Muna

I am very stubborn. I always love to push this body to the limit. I programmed myself to train hard without considering my personal limit. Unless I have work or other things to do, I want to get better in running such that I continue to batter my body with very aggressive trainings. I ignored the pain that I felt as I believed they are only temporary.

But days had passed and the pain is still here, nagging me and dragging my progress. Because of this i had convinced myself to slow down and rest.

Here are the 5 things that I will do during my rest period:

Stretchhhh!!!

1. Sleep - i need to have enough sleep again. sleeping at least 8 hours per day.
2. Eat - i don't have to worry about this. Food will help me build my strength and energy to propel thru my next set of trainings.
3. Stretching - stretching those darn affected muscle would help hasten the healing process.
4. Reduction - reduce training intensity in terms of speed. I would still continue building the base mileage with slower pace
Sleeping with eyes wide open
5. Equipment - having the right set of equipments to support this period is absolutely important. Changing running form to compensate for the injuries will require a new set of toys which I will use during my rest.










Will this work? Will i get better? I hope so. I only have a few weeks before my first training checkpoint and im hoping that i will be in-shape by that time. I'll try a couple of things as well to ensure my faster recovery but I guess a proper rest will be a key ingredient in getting stronger. As coach Salazar said, "ang katawan kailangan bigyan din ng pahinga para lalong lumakas, pag sumubra, baka ma-injure at mawala ang training progress".

Hoping to get well soon. The wait is killing me.

Never-ending wait! :))



















* - Picture credit to various sources in the internet

Friday, November 12, 2010

Adination of Runners: nasa 2nd phase na!

As I told you, I always love the brand of Adidas. It's been my brand of choice for years now and most of my apparel are from Adidas.But do you know that it has Running Groups here in Manila? 

The Adination of Runners Running Group was launched this year and had 4 venues: Ortigas, BHS, Ayala and Alabang. For almost 9 months, it has created a number of followers whom had improved their running skills within the period. I had witnessed this in the likes of Deo, Bong, Rej, JR, Maya and Ceres who have progressed tremendously with the program.

They also offer promos within the program such as discounts with Adidas apparel, freebies and ultimately a free pass to this year's KOTR.





Ang mga magigiting na ANR BHS runners
Now, why the hell am I blogging about this program. First, I believe in the effect of the program. Second, I love the brand :). Lastly, it's for the friends I met thru the session where I shared a lot of experiences and gained a few in return.

What are you waiting for? You have enough reasons to get those shoes out of your cabinet and hit the road :D

Walang ulan-ulan sa mga adik!
I personally invite you to join our regular sessions:

Tuesdays:  
UP -> 6:30pm -> infront of Abelardo Hall, 
Alabang -> 7:00pm -> Madrigal Business Park
Ayala Tri -> 7:00pm -> inside Ayala Tri Garden
Wednesdays: 
MOA -> 7:00pm -> IMAX Parking Lot 
Ortigas -> 7:30pm -> Pearl Drive infront of UA&P
Thursdays:  
BHS -> 7:30pm -> Bonifacio High St. (near ROX parking lot)
Fridays:  
Ortigas -> 7:30pm -> Tienesitas


Mababait naman po kami at masisipag :)) (except si Maya na masokista). I promise you will improve within a few attendance of the sessions (Ako pa magiging pacer niyo, nyahahahaha)

Spread the love folks! See you in one of the sessions! :D

*-pics c/o Doc Marvs

Monday, November 8, 2010

BDM 102 Series: Prelude #1

Known as the most difficult road race in the country, the Bataan Death March 102 km was an annual event held to commemorate the long agonizing trip done by the brave heroes during WWII when Bataan fell in the hands of the Japanese. A trip made by several hundred prisoners of war (POW) from Bataan to Tarlac, they marched under the searing heat of the sun with the merciless Japanese soldiers provoking and killing all those who can't continue the journey. Truly, it's one of the most darkest events in the history of our country.

Last year, I think it was during the Rota-run when I approached my good friend and barkada, Ian Alacar about how he was able to finish the BDM 102. I was really fixated and I can't even imagine myself running the whole 102K with a 18 hours cut-off! It was crazy! He told me "Man, kayang-kaya mo yan. Kailangan mo lang ng training". Yeah, right, I'm a runner but not insane enough to do that.

Now, I ate my words when finally I made a decision to join the event. I already had the invite last October 2010. Why the hell did I change my mind?

- I consider it as the "peak" race of my running career. I want to test myself and push my body to the limit by doing this extreme road run
- I want to experience the thrill (actually boring) of running 102K
- This is one way of paying respect to our fallen heroes to whom we owe the freedom that we own today
- I want to celebrate with my running friends and comrades (I want that piece of experience)
- The finisher trophy is so huge that I will never have a place where I can put it. And lastly...
- I want to have a story which I can tell to my children and grandchildren someday. I want it to be a source of inspiration and perseverance to do their best on whatever things they love to do the most. :)

I will use this blog to record my experience for this race; from preparations till the post-race celebration. It's an epic story and hopefully to those who will read this will also feel the excitement that I'm experiencing.

Thanks to sir Jovie (Bald Runner) for the invite! :)

And now, my BDM 102 story will begin... :D

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Running Barefoot (Almost!)

Gorilla feet!
Have you noticed those wicked "gorilla-feet" footwear used by some runners during races? It struck my curiousness; at first, I find them really funny and over-rated shoes. I even told myself that I will never be caught wearing one myself!

It changed when I had a chance to talk to more users of VFF and research about the benefits of Barefoot running. Finally, last Thursday, I was finally convinced to try and get one for myself.

VFF KSO: Solid stuff!
Meet "Chiz", my VFF-KSO! KSO means Keep Stuff Out which is considered as the most popular model of VFF out there in the market. It has a non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber sole is razor-siped for a sure grip, and a 2mm EVA insole enhances plating protection and comfort. a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon and breathable mesh upper that wraps your entire forefoot to "Keep Stuff Out."* 








With barely 2 weeks of using my new toy, here are my "learnings" about Barefoot Running (almost in my case):


Lesson #1: Change of Running Form - you will have to adjust from heel-striking to forefoot midfoot when you wear these babies. It's the same reason that I took some time-off from racing as I want to improve my form and do some serious forefoot training. Chiz is now my constant partner in achieving these goals.


Lesson #2: Do it gradually - It is advisable to start running in VFF within short distances (i.e. 3K) and increase it gradually. I was stubborn so I tried doing 6K immediately on my first road training, 11K on the second and 11K on the third. That killed my calves and gave me blisters as big as my big toe!!!

Adobo Run: My very first Race using Chiz!

Lesson #3: Blisters will haunt you - I never had such blisters in my entire life! Probably this is caused by the speed work + minimal protection I've had from Chiz. I need to invest on toe socks to minimize blistering or slow down during my training runs with her.


Aray!!!
Lesson #4: Distance Does Matter - KSO's have thinner soles compared to Bikila's. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who observed this but if you hit distances above 10K in a fast pace, the blisters will be coming after you. I think this can be minimized by using socks (if you have any advice on how to prevent this, please let me know)



Lesson #5: Different Strength! - Barefoot Running strengthens the calves. For now they hurt like hell but in the long run, they will be developed and grow stronger. Sanayan lang yan! Also, I observed that I'm improving my stamina already! If only I didn't had the blisters last Adobo run, I can still do another 10-12K of run using the same tempo pace :D

Developed not monster calves!!!

Lesson #6: Watch out where you are stepping - Since Chiz has minimal cushioning, you can really feel the surface of whatever your stepping at (to the nth level!). Grass is good, they are soft but you'll hate it when you accidentally step on small stones! I did last Saturday and it felt like a nail was put through my toe! :(. Again, this is not to scare you away from using them but just be extra careful on the things you stepped on (di ko pa naranasan sa "landmines")


You'll hate the small rocks... promise!

Lesson #7: Pabida effect: Lastly, using them will give you the curious stares from people. True to the testaments, you'll feel awkward at first as you get different comments about them. There are laughter, questions and even people who wants to try it themselves. I felt like an ambassador of BFR whenever people approached me on why the hell I am wearing such strange but cool footwears

Even he will roll his eyes when he sees you in VFF :))

It still a little early to observe any significant  improvements using Chiz but I do love the process of learning how to run with her. I'm still a noob with this style of running but it is an investment to my goal of improving in the sport that I really love. 

If you have the extra moolah, try to get one for yourself. I assure you it will be a fun yet fruitful experience running with these babies :D
They come in different colors and styles too! :D


For my next goal, I'm planning to log 16K with her next weekend. We'll see if she's up to the challenge! :D

I'll buy her sister on November but I'm still undecided if it will be "Trixie" or "Komina" :))


To be continued... (for more info about VFF, visit their site at http://birthdayshoes.com)

* - description from Vibram's website

Picture Credits:Various sources from the internet

Saturday, October 30, 2010

KOTR 2010

It's an annual event that I never missed since 2008. For the love of the brand...


I've been a fan of Adidas ever since I started to get serious in my running career back in 2008. My first set of running shoes was adidas which I retired this year. My 2nd and current race shoes were Adidas (Attune and Tempo). Lastly, I love the KOTR singlets which I always looked forward to every year.

KOTR 2008: First timers! (I did 5K)


My goal for this race was to beat my previous 21K KOTR PR of 1:52 last year. And I was so excited about it...

My official KOTR PR last year: 1:52:00

Starting line

I arrived at the venue at around 4:15 am in the morning. It was really early but I don't mind as I want to get a good parking spot. I met with Sir Junrox and Alfred (TPPB teammates and running idols) at the parking lot before I went to the ANR BHS meeting spot. Mingling around runners I soon found myself stretching with the Milo APEX guys in BHS. Man, you've gotta attend their trainings! Stretching pa lang, kakaiba na!
With Team boring!















I went to the starting corral with a few ANR folks to do some pep talks and basically plan out how are we going to finish the race. Funny because I found out that almost all of us bought GF's to the same guy who sold Rej his unit at least a week before the race (malaki ang kickback mo Rej!). I chose to stay away from the frontline as I was still recovering from the previous week's race.
Ang aming agimat!

At exactly 5:30 am, the gun popped and the race has officially begun!

KM 0 - 10


I didn't plan to speed up for the first 10K of this race. Passing thru the British school route until the end near kalayaan avenue, it was all hover as I'm prepping up for the Buendia fly-over. As we were on the way back, the 10K participants were already released (saw Brando, Jixee and Mark Mulder) as I run to the fly-over.

Buendia Fly-over. I miss this route already. Luckily, I was part of the lead bunch because the bridge was not yet crowded. Cruising along Buendia avenue, I gulped some water to cool down and enjoyed the marching band play the pep music. It was the same old route, same traffic and same issues.

On our way to the Buendia turn-around point

I've reached the turn-around post (where's the RFID hot plate?) and traversed the way back to the Fort


KM 11 - 20

On the way back, I passed by a few fellow runners along the way. Cheering up and keeping the morale high, I increased my pace a bit until I reached the dreaded site. The fly-over was overcrowded with runners! :(. I have to skip, squeeze, duck and roll to get through the crowd. Luckily, I was able to pass thru without any issues and continued my way to the last 6 km.
Waahhhhhh!!! Sea of runners :(

I have a bad feeling about the hydration for the last few kms. so I grabbed a bottle of powerade before I proceeded to 5th ave. I also took my energy gel for luck! Darn, I was right about this decision because the water stations for the remaining route was really far away from each other. Poor noobs, they suffered because of this. Reached the turn-around point at bayani road then sped-up on the way back to the finish line!


This saved me from dehydration!

Finish line and Post Race Chuvaness

I really aimed for a strong finish in this race. I conserved my energy for the first few kms. to spend it on my last 200 meter sprint to the finish. I sprinted like no tomorrow. But alas, a few walking runners blocked our finish line chute and I have to sidestep to avoid them. It made my left leg cramp and collide with a fellow finisher! Damn it! (please if you're planning to block the way in the finish line, please do follow the chute where you are supposed to finish and avoid any injuries to your fellow runners).

But still, I've got what I aimed for! A new KOTR PR :D. And a finisher medal to partner with it! That's more than enough to cover the boo-boo I've had in the finish line.


Kagat Medal Moment! :D

After the race, I went back to the car to change as my nips were bleeding. "Kaskas-nips" due to the singlet rubbing through the surface of our nips. This can be prevented by putting lubes such as petroleum jelly or covering them with a band-aid before the start of the race. Unluckily, the petroleum jelly I applied was washed-off during the race.

I went back to the ANR booths and had some photo-sessions. Overwhelming support to the ANR BHS booth and the new sites, MOA and UP were outstanding. I guess we will be running a big crowd now during Thursdays :D
Thanks Sir Raul of ARC Manila for the picture! :D





As a post-race comment, I really love Adidas. The brand I do believe. The race, uhm, I don't know. Races were supposed to improve every year and one of way of checking it was to get the feedback from the participants. For the past 3 years, I've heard a lot of rants about the race but this year I think is the worst. From the registration process until the post-race logistics, countless number of rants were received. I won't deal into the details anymore as I'm already fed-up with the feedbacks and I will leave it to the organizers to respond.


Will I still join the race next year? Definitely. I'm a die-hard Adidas fan :D

More pictures here

Photo Credits: Topher Montaos, Sir Raul of ARC Manila, Greentennial Runner and various sources from the Internet

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Pink-Coated Sunday

Pink - a popular color associated with femininity. The more vibrant the color is, the greater the probability that you are inclined with the feminine side. This was what I believed before I got the chance to join a wonderful running team last June; a team which used the color Pink (fuschia!) as their official team color. "Tough Men wear Pink(Fuschia)" is our motto and I guess we're 100% barakos (unless someone protested)!

October 17 was a very memorable date for the team as the blessings poured like the typhoon Ondoy sent last year:

- We grew from 10 to 25 strong running members each with a capability to finish 21K under 2 hours.
- It showcased the fruit of our months worth of training, each one almost hitting a personal record
- 25 freaking runners with a majority wearing the popular "Singlet na may Sapi", hitting the road and running with all their might
- Display of courage and iron-will as all of us crossed the finish line despite the challenges we encountered in the course.
- 25 finisher medals as a testament that we completed the course, fair and square.
- A blessing of winning the Philippine Running Team Champion for 2010 ( I remembered how happy we were as we run to the stage and claim our prize!)
- The two trophies we are going to rotate within the team (one of them was really huge while the other one can be used to teach the female anatomy :)) )
- The finisher shirt which I guess were made of glow-in-the-dark material (oo na, magmumukha na siyang lumulutang na damit pag suot ko sa gabi)
- The free breakfast we got from the Adobo Run organizers at Paul Calvin's. I didn't ate much though because of Pocari (bespren ni mayor!)
- The consolation prize I've got for my entry "REAL MEN WEAR PINK" in the Pink Run's Photo Contest (which we can't enjoy because it can only be used by a girl :( )

Here are our official race results:


1. Alexis Estenor  (#2057) 1:32:41
2. Joms Paras (#2077) 1:34:43
3. Patrick Alcomendas  (#2058) 1:34:47
4. Graciano Santos  (#2054) 1:35:19
5. Nathaniel Garcia (#2053) 1:35:41
6. Junrox Roque  (#2051) 1:38:22
7. Alfred delos Reyes  (#2050) 1:38:22
8. Leandro Losaria  (#2061) 1:40:11
9. Nick Geaga (#2052) 1:41:19
10. Alex Macalintal (#2065) 1:42:22
11. Luis Arcangel  (#2078) 1:43:15
12. Mark Mulder  (#2060) 1:43:17
13. Lito Brion (#2047) 1:43:40
14. Angelo Lagumbay  (#2079) 1:43:47
15. Jixee Lagunda  (#2064) 1:43:48
16 .Mcoy Lontoc  (#2046) 1:44:36
17. Mark Hernandez  (#2062) 1:44:37
18. Mark Anthony Rodica (#2049) 1:45:08
19. Mon Sunday (#2059) 1:45:42
20. Ronnel Go (#2063) 1:46:44
21. Robert Delos Santos (#2056) 1:48:56
22. Roy Eric Rivera  (#2055) 1:52:26
23. RIcky Gundran  (#2048) 1:55:23
24. Bong Zandueta (#2069) 1:59:35
25. Sammy Delena  (#2071) 2:32:25

If only I can name that day as Team PowerPuff Boys day, I will in honor of the blessings we received. Here are some of the pictures I got from my camera during that day (Thanks Kat for taking our pictures!):

Excited boys receiving their trophies!

L-R: Luis, Sir Alfred, Joms, Sir Junrox, Yours Truly, Brando
Trophies + prize money = sweetness!
Panadero!
Brando, Me and Beeps
Daydreaming

















Return of the comeback ni Idol Luis


Parang walang trophy! (that's the prize shirt)

Thank you Lord for all the blessings you gave us on that day! Congrats Team PowerPuff Boys! Mabuhay kayong lahat! :D

Di na kami kasya sa aming signature pose!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

ARC store opens in Manila!

It all started with the message from Prince that there will be fun run organized by A Runner's Circle Running Store to celebrate their soft opening here in Manila. I said "Ok sige, punta ko dun" and asked the club six:30 running group that we will have an easy run training there as well.



ARC finally landed here in Manila!

To give you a background, A Runner's Circle (ARC) Running Store is a popular running store in Los Angeles, CA which is wholly-owned by Filipino runners and been named by FoxLA as the best running store for 3 years in a row! (*clap *clap *clap*). Now, they are opening their first store here in Manila to duplicate their success and share the great customer experience that they provide in the US.

100% Filipino-owned :D

Last Saturday, I've got a chance to witness the launch of their store here in Manila. I think there are around 50 participants in the fun run (represented by six:30, team CB, team Boring, team Ungas) which joined us for the short 5K run in the morning. I went there at around 4:30 am (the official call-time) and registered. I was given a cool ARC Running shirt which I gladly wore for the event (thanks!).

Me with sir Raul Acuna (love this shirt!)

The program started with a stretching session led by yours truly (volunteered by six:30 teammate John who incidentally worked with ARC as well). I introduced the "Simply_Mccoy" stretching method (ang sikreto ng malupit niyang mga PR) before we proceeded to the Roxas Blvd. for our run.

The distance should be 5K but from the GF, it was 6.3K :). It was fun! I got to join the lead pack which paced a little stronger than the target 6:30 pace (si Joey po ang may kasalanan) on the way back to the starting point. In-short, nasunog kami, nyahahahahaha.

Lead pack! (They will have this framed and hanged in their store)

Wasakan pace!!!

Nonetheless, we had fun. We were welcomed with a nice breakfast sponsored by ARC. I love the egg pandesal and boil saba so much that I think I ate as much as the calories I lost during the run. This was followed by a refreshing dance done in front of the store (with a special participation of Allan). There was also a raffle draw with prizes such as spa GC's, mesh bags, shoes and shoes! (congratulations to all the winners). Lastly, a short talk by running coach Titus Salazar where I asked a lot of advice and questions about running.

Wow! Breakfast!
Refreshing Dance step (wala kong kuha kay Allan :()
 
Six:30 represent! :D

I heard that they will also be organizing regular runs during Saturdays in front of their stores as well! I think I'll schedule some of our trainings on Saturdays during their regular runs. It will be fun!

Visit their store located at Unit H, Aloha Hotel, Quirino Avenue near corner Roxas Boulevard. Don't forget to greet the friendly staff and take a peek at what the store has to offer (I'm going to get one of their running singlets when I go back there)


Visit their store near Roxas Boulevard!

Congratulations and thank you for a hosting a great opening day to your store here, ARC Manila! I wish you success! :D


Tuloy po kayo!

Picture credit from ARC official website and Yoying Jose! :D

More pictures from my camera here

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Pink Run Photo Contest

On behalf of the TPPB, I've submitted an entry for the Pink Run this weekend. I'm not sure if it's legal since it doesn't have their official singlet but what the heck, it's for the spirit of fun :).

Please do support my entry by liking the photo!

It's one of our best team photo! TRUE MEN WEAR FUSCHIA!!!


Go go go TPPB!!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

On a choice between PR's

Almost every Runner dreams of achieving a PR in each race that they join-in. It is the sense of fulfillment and gauge on how much they improved through their career. But what if you will be given a choice, you get to have a new PR but put your life into risk or do it on another day but you have to wait?
PR in every race: almost every runner's dream :D


I can't make a choice for all runners. But this thought echoed in my mind after I finished the Pinatubo trail run. To recap, I was really-really disappointed about being held-up in the 2nd to the last aid station. Waiting for almost 2 hours, my frustration really blew me off as I was already making harsh remarks about the decision. I was gunning for a good strong finish and my plan was ruined because of that circumstance. Indeed it was my fuel for my dash to the finish line.
Dash to the finish!!!






















But when I heard about the experience of some runners who where released earlier on how they crossed the field while the chopper was firing live ammo's, it made me think again. Hearing how scared they were while they are running not only for the race but also for their safety. Imagine being in the field where a chopper was unloading its ammo on the ground and the possibility of getting caught in the cross-fire! What would happen if I chose to ignore the personnel and continue my mad dash to the finish line?

Lock and loaded! (live targets dead ahead!)

With that, I rest my case of not reaching my goal in this race. I'm satisfied that I finished the race even if I lost a lot of precious time. I wouldn't exchange my life with such a petty stuff, I can always do this again on another day. It is only a darn record; surviving the gruesome journey was already enough for me. Though it would have been better if I achieved my goal, I will just do the whole thing again minus the freaking chopper exercise.

I might be down right now but I'll be stronger the next time!

I'm glad that I'm safe, strong and alive to race another day. That PR can wait :D

* - photo credits to various sources in the Internet.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Habulan sa Bulkan: PAU 50K Mount Pinatubo Trail Run

"Grabe pare, alam ko may nagtrail-run dito sa Pinatubo mula sa Sta. Juliana hanggang sa crater tapos pabalik. Pag lumakas ako, gagawin ko din yun!"

Those were the words I told my friend while we were riding the 4x4 on the way to the crater during my first trip in Pinatubo last December. Never did I know that I will be doing it as soon as this year! It all started when I saw the pictures from the Pinatubo invitational run organized by sir Jonel last August. I was so envious with the experience and experience that I read about the run. I swore that the next Pinatubo run, I will be joining it.

I wasn't expecting to run all the way here from Sta. Juliana!


As if God was playing tricks with me, sir BR announced that he's going to organize a trail run this October to the majestic destination. Boy, I was so excited that the first day he opened up the reg (during the CLP for P2P), I signed-up already. Di pa nga tapos ang isang sakit ng katawan, may kasunod na agad!

So how did it go? Let me tell you my story about the "Habulan sa may Bulkan"

The Trip to the Starting Line

October 8, 2010 was a busy day for me. I attended a client presentation then had dinner with the consultants before I called it a day. My original plan was to finish everything up early then go home to catch some sleep. But I can't resist free food, especially when I didn't had any lunch! We finished at around 9:30 but I have to buy a few more stuff from the supermarket. I got home at around 1030 and still have to pack my stuff before I went to Mcdo Munoz, our meeting place.

I arrived at the meeting place by 12:15. Had some chit-chat with a few runners before I accidentally broke my bag's zipper! All the time of DocT's orientation I was so caught up with fixing my zipper but with no luck. Have to improvise and accepted the fact that I can no longer fix it :(. We all left at around 12:30.

I was so excited with the trip that I can't sleep in the van. It looked like I have to run again with insomnia! Darn anxiety, this will kill me soon! :( But enough with the bad vibes, I had a tough race ahead of me. We arrived at exactly 3:00 am in the morning.

With a few hours to spare I started preparing already. I checked-in to get my bib number (it's not 69 :( ) and got to take some of my pictures in the starting line. It was still dark and a lot of night creatures (bugs) were zooming around the lights. I was bit by some but my anxiety didn't let me down. I decided to bring along a bottle of gatorade as good luck charm (you'll know why it is a good luck charm in a while)

Starting Line!

The Ultra-legends! (mas mataas na nilalang sa ultraman)

Getting ready! (di naman kami excited)

The first 10 km: Darkness and Sand

At exactly 5:00 am, the gunstart popped and off we go. It was so dark, good thing that some of the fast runners ahead of us brought their headlamps. I decided to take the first kilometer at a comfortable pace but due to panic I forced myself to run faster to catch up with the guys using headlights. I swear that if you don't have any lights during that time, you will get lost!

Aside from the first river crossing (which made my feet felt heavier), this part of the course was dusty and flat with tall grasses. You might think that this was easy but NO this is not a road run. Though this part of the course was flat, we were running on sand. It's was really difficult as the sand sinks as you step on it. It required extra effort to run in the freaking sand but my strategy was to follow the 4x4 tracks along the way. My observation was those tracks were relatively easier to run as they were already flattened by the 4x4. But still we had to run thru majority of the soft sand track which zapped most of our strength. I had to endure this as I'm really chasing the guys with headlamps (I really don't want to get lost).

It was already sunrise when I reached the first aid station. I decided not to stop as I didn't feel hunger nor thirst yet and continued to run until the next aid station.


Imagine Running at this landscape with zero lighting!!!

Day break!!!


KM 11 - 20: Surprise at 16K!!! (traps of the trail)


I reached the 14K mark at around 1:55 in my watch. Took some time to gulp a hammer gel and refill my gatorade bottle. At this point, the course shifted from being dusty and sandy to very rocky and wet! Running thru the rocky course and several river crossings was definitely new challenge. First, the rocks were unpredictable, you might trip down or get sprained if you miss a step. Second, the river doesn't just make your feet wet but it also has rocks and sand which fills up your shoes. But this was still ok as the route was still relatively flat and compared to the sands, it was quite bearable. I felt like I was playing inside a maze where you need to find the best possible way out of it.

After a few minutes, I was literally surprised when I reached the next aid station. According to the race guidelines, aid stations were supposed to be located every 7K (7K, 14K, 21K, etc/), But this time, it was relatively short compared to the previous station. I was right, it was just only 16K. And guess what, walang support beyond 16k!!! Due to the condition of the course, the 4x4 trucks can't move any further. Well, I was worried at first but this little challenge will not discourage me to give up the race. I filled up all of my hydration units and thank God I brought along the Gatorade bottle! It became my hydration for the next 10K++ until I  reached the crater (hoping that at least there will be water/refreshment at the turn-around point).

Trail after the 14K mark!


The part after this was really challenging. You have to rely on instinct and follow the "Keep Left" rule to survive and find your way. Also, there were several "traps" along the way. The first trap was the coarse edges made up of sand which crumbles as you step on them. I became a victim as I made a wrong step; it crumbled and I fell down knee first! It was not that painful but I wounded my hand in the process. I checked if I had any other injuries before I washed up my wound in the river.

The second trap were the loose rocks along the river bed. It will can cause sprain if you accidentally stepped on them aside from being too slippery. Good thing my trail shoes have nice grips which helped me get traction against these rocks.

The third trap were the huge boulders. And when I say huge, they are HUGE! You have options on how to approach them, one you can literally climb them or go find another path. I always choose the latter as I don't want to risk any injury.

The fourth trap were quicksands! Yeah! Now I believe that quicksands were true and I fell into one! There was huge pile of sand at the side of the course which I thought was safe to pass through. My legs sank up to the knees! Sensing that I'm in deep trouble if I panicked, I chose to calmly lift my foot away from the scary sands. I was still lucky though as one of the runners also hit the quicksand and it took his shoes and one of his socks which made him run barefoot until the crater (he was asking for slippers or sandals that he can borrow just to finish the race, that's iron will!).

At this part of the course, I survived all the traps by being vigilant and careful on what I stepped on. I have to really slow down as I don't want to get injured as well. I'm talking to each runner that passes me by to keep my self sane as I really have no idea how far I'm from the turnaround point. Then I saw a familiar site...

Sample River that we tried to cross

KM 21 - 30: From the crater and back

I finally reached the "starting base camp" of the regular trekkers for Pinatubo. And time was running out, looking at my watch it was already 3:48 hours and I was really near the crater. The trek would take another 15 minutes and my hydration units were almost empty. I tried to do some short runs on the way to the top, climbed the awfully long stairs and briefly stopped to enjoy the view. I went down to the turn-around point and rested for a while by shores of the lake (my turn-around time was 4:06). Took some pictures, dipped my feet at the lake, cleaned my shoes and socks then decided to start our trip back to the starting line. I was planning to swim in the lake but due to a cut-off were trying to chase, I decided not to (which I regret afterwards).

Base Camp!
 
There was no aid station at the crater so I filled-up my trusty gatorade bottle, which saved me during the trip up to the crater, with water in a nearby faucet. I didn't thought if the water was sanitized or not as I'm thirsty when I chugged it down. I also dampened myself with water before the trip as the sun had already started beating us with its heat. Lastly, I took another energy gel to gain some momentum on the way back. We then began our descend back to the aid station (10K uli!!!)

Trail to the crater


Turn-around point

Frolicking at the lake!

Wasak na pero masaya pa din














During the descend we met a few more runners who were still on their way to the crater. I've also learned that some of the runners was lost along the trail by as much as 5K :(. I paced with Beeps and tried to do some short jog whenever there were flat routes along the trail. Here I got my second wound when I accidentally stepped on a very loose rock in the river which scratched my hand and made me do a split as landed on my butt first. I felt my left thigh cramped up after but I just shrugged it off as I want to really finish the race!


KM 31 - 40: Chop-chopped by a chopper

The heat of the sun is slowly taking its toll. I can feel dehydration building up and I'm almost out of hydration units as well. I also shared my water with Beeps to help him cross this safe and sound. Finally, we saw some brink of hope when the aid station (km 16 -> km 36) were already in our sight. Doing short jogs then brisk-walk, slowly but surely we were able to reach the aid station.

Cold RC cola and water... Nothing beats the cold beverage running down your throat after an almost 10K trip from the crater. I also stopped by the Takbo.ph support vehicle to get some fresh supply of cold gatorade and a splash of water to beat the heat. Off we go to the next aid station! By this time, the heat of the sun was already approaching it's full force which was amplified due to zero shading in this part of the trail. But we're already near the finish line so I decided to have a brisk walk - run strategy until I reach the km 14 aid station. Also by this time, the dried rivers were already filled-up again with water (bad news if the rain would come!).

As I reached the 2nd to the last aid station, we were held as there was a on-going Balikatan exercise in the field we had to cross. Jesus Christ, they were using live ammo for this exercise!!! We have no choice but to wait and hope that it will end soon as we were already cooling down and losing our momentum for the race. The marshal said it will only last at least 30 mins. but it turned to an hour then almost 2 hours.

Darn helicopter!!!
















One by one, each of the runners were arriving at our aid station but we have no choice as we don't want to do any Lito Lapid stunts while crossing the desert. We were already hallucinating (man, those bad waters were fierce) on what can we do: a. Do a 12K fun run to the finish b. Do loops until we are done with 12K then ride our way back to the finish line.The effect of boredom and heat, very interesting...

Bangag na kami nito!

Finally, after the second round, they finally set us free! I decided not to carry my hydration belt already and brought a bottle of water and gatorade. I gulped down my last piece of energy gel, as this will be my dash to the finish... Epic Relay Style!!!

KM 41 - 50: Sprint to the finish line
Rested, cooler weather and built-up frustration; those were the factors I need to do my sprint to the finish. Holding a bottle of gatorade and cold water, I tried to speed up within the last few kms. I hit a 5:30 pace during the beginning of the dash, slowing down because of the sand and splashing some water in my back and head to cool-down. Support was present in every 3 km, so I was able refill my water bottle and drop my gatorade. I followed the 4x4 track to navigate thru the sand field and knowing that a rain is coming anytime soon, I continue to run the remaining course. There were brief walk-breaks to rest for a few meters and while crossing the gaping river (which has grew since we crossed it in the early morning). When I reached the guard post of the barangay, a secondwind began to blow behind me so I continued in increasing my pace until I saw the finish line. A mad-dash to the finish, I clocked in at 8:45 as my non-official time (I stopped my watch when they held us at the Aid station and re-started it when they released us). Finally, I'm done with my longest trail run in my career, 50 gruesome km with a lot of story to tell :D

Bangag at sabog!

Post-Race Thoughts

After the race, I had time to exchange stories with each of the finishers. We had lunch as I'm really-really hungry after the race (adobo, sisig c/o master jj, adobong sili c/o bong, fish crackers). After that, I hit the sack to get some well-deserved rest.

Here are a few things I had learned from this race:

- Trail Runs are really-really different from a Road Rage/Race! PR's in a road can't be applied in the trail :)
- Never run in an empty stomach or if you're lacking sleep!
- MT875 were the coolest trail shoes ever! Except for the part that water can easily pass thru it, cushioning and support was superb throughout the race. No problem whatsoever in the grip and sole after the race :D
- Expect the worst in a trail run and ensure that you are prepared whatever happens. Focus not only on yourself but your surroundings as well
- Beer Mug!!! Now I can enjoy my favourite "drink" and remind me of how much I worked hard just to get a piece of mug :))
- I adore people with Iron will! Ian who lost his shoes in the quicksand but chose to continue his journey and not to quit the race on barefoot and sandals is such a feat that he can brag to everyone else. I salute you bro for your fighting spirit and determination!

Ian finished this race using sandals from km 25 onwards

- Regardless of how many times an Ultraman tells you that it will be his last Ultra, he will never fulfill it as it is very difficult to get out of the addiction. Hahanap-hanapin nyan ang sakit ng katawan!!!

Kagat-trophy moment :D
























Thank you Doc Topher for organizing the logistics of our trip and support. To the takbo.ph and team boring support crew, a big thanks and kudos to the job well done (laki ng utang na loob namin sa inyo). To boss JJ and her wife for the awesome lunch (sisig niyo the best). To the new friends and co-finisher of this race, congratulations and thank you for sharing this experience with me. To Sir Jovie, thank you for organizing a very tough and challenging run as always (you never fail to surprise us sir!). and to Dear God, for guiding us and ensuring that there will be no casualties in this race whatsoever.

As I said in one of my comments:
Yun na ata yung pinakamahirap na takbong nagawa ko kung saan nasugatan, natusta, natapilok, nadapa, lumubog sa kumunoy, nadulas at nag-split sa ilog! Bilib talaga ko sa mga nakatapos! :D

Congratulations to all the finishers! (gawin natin ito uli next time!)

Bonus: Ito pala yung pacer nina Doc T :D



* - Picture credits to Mccoy, Van and Jasmin! Thanks guys!
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